Health benefits and traditional uses of honey: A review

Abstract

Liyanage D.A.M. Arawwawala, Horadugoda G.S.P. Hewageegana

Honey is an organic natural substance that is produced from the nectar of flowers by Apis mellifera and is a sweet, flavorful liquid. It contains sugars, small quantities of proteins, enzymes, amino acids, minerals, trace elements, vitamins, aroma compounds, and polyphones. It is widely accepted as food and medicine by all generations, traditions and civilizations, both ancient and modern. Honey is heavily used by Asian countries such as Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, and Pakistan in their traditional medicinal systems. It is used as a remedy for burns, cataracts, ulcers, diabetes, wound healing, etc. Many researchers have scientifically validated most of the traditional claims (e.g., usage for diabetes, diarrhea, inflammation, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular diseases) for honey using scientifically controlled experiments. We conclude this review by exposing the benefits and traditional usage of the honey, especially in Ayurveda medicinal system.